UPSC Prelims – Geography (Objective / MCQs)

UPSC Prelims – Geography (Objective / MCQs)

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1. Recommended Books & Resources

Book / Resource	Purpose / Details
NCERT 6–12 (Geography)	Foundation for Indian and World Geography, including physical, economic, social, and environmental aspects. Covers rivers, mountains, climate, resources, agriculture, and demographics.
GC Leong – Physical Geography	Detailed reference for physical geography, important for both Prelims and Mains. Topics: Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography.
Atlas (Oxford / NCERT)	Map-based questions, important for Prelims MCQs.
Current Affairs (PIB, Newspapers)	Focus on disaster events, climate change, environmental policies, and international treaties.

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2. Strategy to Cover Geography for Prelims

Step 1: NCERTs – Foundation

·         Class 6–8: Basics of physical geography – Earth, continents, oceans, climate zones

·         Class 9: Resources, agriculture, industries, population, map exercises

·         Class 10: Map reading, environment, disaster management basics

·         Class 11 (Physical Geography): Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography

·         Class 12 (Human & Economic Geography): Agriculture, industries, population, urbanization, human development

Tips: Understand concepts, terminologies, and diagrams rather than rote memorization.

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Step 2: GC Leong – Physical Geography

·         Focus on physical processes, landforms, climate, soil, water, oceans, and ecosystems.

·         Important topics:

o    Geomorphic processes: weathering, erosion, deposition

o    Landforms: mountains, plateaus, plains, coasts, rivers

o    Climate and climatic zones, monsoon, global winds

o    Oceanography: tides, currents, marine resources

o    Natural hazards and disasters

Tips: Combine NCERT knowledge with GC Leong diagrams and examples.

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Step 3: Map & Current Events

·         Use Atlas for India and World maps → rivers, mountains, minerals, dams, cities

·         Follow PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express → disaster events, climate treaties, resource management

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Step 4: Revision & Practice

·         Make diagrams and flowcharts for quick visual revision

·         Practice previous year MCQs for speed and accuracy

·         Revise monthly → Important for Prelims 1–2 months before exam

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3. Important Topics (Prelims Focus)

Section	Key Topics
Physical Geography	Earth structure, landforms, plate tectonics, mountains, rivers, coasts, oceans, soil, climate, vegetation
Indian Geography	Physiographic divisions, rivers & drainage, soil types, agriculture, minerals, industries, forests
Environment & Ecology	Ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, global treaties
Disaster Management	Earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, tsunamis
Map Work	Major rivers, mountains, deserts, dams, cities, resources

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4. Sample Questions – Geography (Prelims MCQs)

1.      Which of the following rivers is a tributary of the Ganga?
a) Godavari
b) Yamuna
c) Narmada
d) Mahanadi
Answer: b) Yamuna

2.      Which soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation in India?
a) Alluvial
b) Black Soil
c) Red Soil
d) Laterite Soil
Answer: b) Black Soil

3.      The Western Ghats are older than the Eastern Ghats because:
a) They are more elevated
b) They are closer to the coast
c) They have been subject to more denudation
d) They are of volcanic origin
Answer: c) They have been subject to more denudation

4.      Monsoon rainfall in India is primarily influenced by:
a) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
b) Western Disturbances
c) Himalayan Barrier
d) Both a and c
Answer: d) Both a and c

5.      Which of the following are biomes of the Earth?

1.      Tundra

2.      Savanna

3.      Desert

4.      Mangroves
a) 1, 2, 3
b) 1, 3, 4
c) 1, 2, 3, 4
d) 2, 3, 4
Answer: c) 1, 2, 3, 4

6.      Which ocean current affects the climate of western India during winter?
a) Gulf Stream
b) Labrador Current
c) West India Coastal Current
d) Kuroshio Current
Answer: c) West India Coastal Current

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5. Preparation Tips – Geography for Prelims

1.      Start with NCERTs (6–12) → Strong foundation

2.      Use GC Leong → Physical Geography in depth

3.      Practice maps & diagrams → Rivers, mountains, resources

4.      Revise monthly → Facts, statistics, and maps

5.      Follow current affairs → Disaster events, climate change, environmental policies

6.      Solve MCQs → Previous year UPSC and mock tests

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Summary

·         Books: NCERT 6–12 (Indian & World), GC Leong (Physical Geography), Atlas

·         Topics: Physical, Indian, Environment & Ecology, Disaster Management, Maps

·         Strategy: Read, diagram practice, note-making, revise, MCQs

·         Goal: Accuracy + speed in Prelims MCQs